Samuel Montembeault and Martin St-Louis may be heading into a split as trade noise builds fast around the Canadiens.
That's the real story here, not just another rumor tossed around before July 1. Frank Seravalli's latest report pushed Montembeault directly into a crowded goalie market.
The key quote hasn't gone away:
“The goalie trade market is expected to heat up this week before July 1: Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, Devon Levi, Sam Montembeault and Jacob Markstrom are just some of the names available.”
When a name like Montembeault lands in that kind of list, teams notice. And in Montreal, that changes the conversation around the crease right away.
Montembeault is 29, and his 2025-26 season did damage to his value. In 25 games, he posted a 3.43 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage.
That's why this feels less like idle chatter and more like a roster decision moving toward the finish line. A fresh start may now suit both sides.
Montreal's crease picture is changing with recent Montembeault news report
Career-wise, Montembeault still brings experience. He has appeared in 231 NHL games with a 90-92-32 record and a 3.23 goals-against average.
That profile should interest clubs looking for a veteran option without a massive gamble. Edmonton stands out as one of the teams most worth watching in this file.
The Canadiens also have a reason to listen. Jakub Dobes played 43 games and put up a 2.78 goals-against average with a .901 save percentage.
That kind of workload matters. It suggests Montreal already sees Dobes as a real part of its next crease rotation, not just organizational depth.
Then there's Jacob Fowler. The 21-year-old went 9-6-2 in 17 games, giving the organization another young goalie with momentum.
That's what makes this timing so important for Kent Hughes. If another club is ready to pay for depth in net, Montreal has room to move now.
The next 48 hours could reshape Montembeault's path and the Canadiens' depth chart in one move. At this point, an exit looks closer than a return.
Should the Canadiens move Samuel Montembeault now?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Two-player trade announced by the Montreal Canadiens: Kent Hughes scores big time and many don't notice
